On the challenges of writing fiction

So I had excellent intentions of embarking on a blog challenge that started April 1, and suddenly here it is, practically the middle of June. I don’t normally ignore my blog for that long, and some of you have asked me privately if everything is all right, and I appreciate that. Jessica is fine—in fact,…

Recently, I received a copy of Kate Reilly’s book, Walt Disney World Resort: Extreme Vacation Guide for Kids. I thought this was a great book idea when Kate first thought it up a while back. Holding the book in my hands, I am glad to say that Kate managed to turn a great book idea into a…

The first one comes in the fall of Jessica’s junior year, a letter from the admissions office of Kansas State University. I don’t immediately recognize what it is. Once I do, for a moment hope flaps its vain and tinsel wings. Maybe it’s true. Maybe my daughter can go to college, and get a great…

It’s that time of year when people start dreading the holidays and the gift giving and start bitching about all the stress they’re under and how we’ve all forgotten the meaning of Christmas anyway, so if they express a Grinch-like attitude, who can blame them? Though I am not religious, I love Christmas. I don’t…

On days when Jessica thinks I may need some help getting my work done, she deploys Douglas the Turquoise Dragon to keep watch over me.